2 Charged in Fatal Attack on Homeless Man Sleeping on Church Steps

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A 17-year-old boy and a 24-year-old man have been charged with killing a homeless man sleeping on the steps of a Bronx church last month, police say.

The teen and Noel Martinez, both Bronx residents, were arrested Tuesday on manslaughter charges in the death of Miguel Dircio. The suspects are accused of brutally kicking the 41-year-old as he slept outside Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Church on June 19.

Homeless Man Attacked While Sleeping on Church Steps

Police are looking for three men who kicked a homeless man in the head as he slept on the steps of a Bronx church. Checkey Beckford reports. (Published Tuesday, June 24, 2014)

Dircio, 41, was taken to the hospital with head and brain injuries. He died June 29.

The Rev. Joseph Girone said a maintenance worker found blood on the steps the morning after the attack. He checked the church's surveillance video and saw the assault.

Homeless Man Attacked on Church Steps

Police are looking for three men who kicked a homeless man in the head as he slept on the steps of a Bronx church. (Published Monday, June 23, 2014)

"It was awful, and then being in front of the church where this man was seeking some refuge and hopefully a place of peace -- these guys are doing violence," Girone said.

Police initially said they were looking for three attackers, but said Tuesday that only two people were involved.